How technology is changing our world: Marianne Kapp

As a technology and capital goods company, we are actively helping shape our future. We asked our colleagues around the world how technological developments have improved our daily work over the years. It seems technology has long been integrated into our daily lives and its positive effects are appreciated – as you can read here in the first responses and opinions.

Marianne Kapp is Product Development Group Leader at Böhler Edelstahl in Kapfenberg, Austria. The company produces specialty steels that meet the highest quality standards. In her position she is responsible for coordinating the work areas of the product development group.

What are the technological aspects of your work?

Böhler Edelstahl produces tool and specialty steels that are used in high- tech products, such as drills, milling tools and tools for sheet metal forming, as well as in die casting and injection molding, in structural and engine components for aircraft, and in drill string and well head components for the oil and gas industry. We in the product development group deal with the development of custom-tailored materials for these areas of application.

What has technology improved in your area?

In our daily work, technology has first and foremost made it easier to communicate and exchange data. These days meetings with participants from multiple time zones can be organized and carried out with no problems. WebEx, Skype and Doodle have become part of our daily lives. The world is growing closer together.

How will the use of technologies in your area change and develop over the next few years?

Communication technology has not nearly reached its final stage of development – just think of Google Glass, foldable screens and the like. We will see more advances here in the future.

"In the area of steel manufacture, additive manufacturing (3D printing) will usher in a big change. This will revolutionize traditional steel manufacture and subsequent component manufacture in at least some segments."Marianne Kapp, Product Development Group Leader, Böhler Edelstahl GmbH & Co KG

Aside from that, due to the continuous progress of digitalization and advances in artificial intelligence, more and more “smart” production facilities are being developed that will allow work steps to be precisely planned and controlled.